Film

Michael Jackson Biopic ‘Michael’ Adds Derek Luke To Play Johnnie Cochran

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derek luke

The high-profile biopic Michael, based on the life of the king of pop, just added Derek Luke to play a big name in that of the late iconic lawyer Johnnie Cochran.

Deadline reports that the film, which is in production and being directed by Antoine Fuqua, first broke the story, reporting, “Cochran represented Jackson in 1993 child molestation case that was settled out of court.”

The film, starring Jafaar Jackson, Michael Jackson’s real-life nephew, includes a remarkable ensemble cast led by Academy Award nominee Colman Domingo, Nia Long, Miles Teller, Laura Harrier, Nathaniel Logan McIntyre, Kat Graham, Kendrick Sampson, Joseph-David Jones, and more.

Here’s a quick reminded of the official description: 

Michael will bring audiences a riveting and honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated man who became known worldwide as the King of Pop.  This epic, cinematic film will examine Jackson’s triumphs and tragedies — from his human side, to his public and private struggles, to the accusations and the 24/7 media microscope Jackson lived under, even at his artistic apex.  The all-star filmmaking team will also capture Michael’s undeniable creative genius, recreating his most memorable, iconic performances.  As never before, audiences will experience an inside look at one of the most influential, trailblazing artists the world has ever known.

Veteran actor Courtney B. Vance last played Cochran’s likeness in the limited series The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story. Vance won an Emmy for his work, so it will be interesting to see how Luke portrays the famed lawyer who was pivotal to Michael Jackson’s life regarding some of his controversies. 

The film is from Lionsgate and is set for release about a year from now on April 18, 2025.

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Bumble/Tinder Film at 20th Century Studios Adds ‘Industry’ Star Myha’la

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Bumble/Tinder Film at 20th Century Studios Adds ‘Industry’ Star Myha’la

Rising star Myha’la, who is best known for her lead role in HBO’s Industry and the recent pre-apocalyptic Leave the World Behind from Obama’s production company Higher Ground, joined the cast of a new film inspired by the story of Bumble and co-founder of Tinder, Whitney Wolfe Herd, from 20th Century Studios.

First reported by Deadline, the film is being produced by 20th Century Studios alongside Ethea Entertainment. Lily James will play the lead role. 

Myha’la is set to play the Wolfe Herd-inspired character’s friend and colleague. Rachel Lee Goldenberg is directing from a script she co-wrote with Bill Parker and Kim Caramele.

Details of the plot are under wraps, but the story is said to be an inspiration and not wholly based on Wolfe Herd’s life. Wolfe Herd co-founded Tinder and then left the company to go found one of its primary competitors, Bumble. Talk about big moves. She exited in 2023 and is considered one of the youngest self-made billionaires in the world.

James is producing the film alongside Jennifer Gibgot and Andrew Panay. Gala Gordon is executive producing. Sarah Shepard is overseeing the project for 20th Century Studios.

Filming will occur in Los Angeles next month, so they’re well underway.

Fans can see Myha’la as Harper Stern in “Industry” in its third season for HBO/BBC, later this year.

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‘Barbecue’ Film Adaptation Casts Colman Domingo, Danai Gurira and Marisa Tomei

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30ee8efd5c83c3e5ba96a0ebeb36b6e5 colman domingo glikas

The critically acclaimed play Barbecue, from Tony nominee Robert O’Hara, is taking his Broadway production to the big screen.

The film adaptation is set to star Academy Award nominee Colman Domingo, who’s been shooting Michael playing the king of pop’s father Joe Jackson. Also starring are Danai Gurira of Black Panther and veteran actress Maria Tomei, 

Deadline first reported the story after O’Hara recently signed with CAA.

Barbecue first debuted in 2015 at The Public Theater. The description of the comedy goes as follows: “O’Mallerys, a dysfunctional group of siblings who stage an intervention for their sister Barbara when her drug addiction spirals.”

Domingo and O’Hara have experience working together on Wild With Happy in 2012 at The Public Theater. Gurira worked with O’Hara on Richard III and at The Public Theater. O’Hara received a Tony nomination back in 2020 for directing the Slave Play. 

Domingo’s Academy Award nomination was for the lead role in Rustin for Netflix. He played Bayard Rustin and also played Mister, in the musical feature film adaptation of The Color Purple. 

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Focus Features to Release ‘Back to Black’ Film on Amy Winehouse This May

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back to black

Focus Features has announced the nationwide release of Back to Black on Friday, May 17th. Directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson and written by Matt Greenhalgh, the film dives into Amy Winehouse’s remarkable journey, chronicling her ascent to stardom from her early days in Camden to the creation of her groundbreaking album.

Executive producers Sam Taylor-Johnson, Anna Marsh, Ron Halpern, Joe Naftalin, and producers Alison Owen, Debra Hayward, and Nicky Kentish-Barnes have worked diligently to bring this story to life. The cast includes Marisa Abela, Jack O’Connell, Eddie Marsan, and Lesley Manville.

Back to Black delves into Winehouse’s lyrics and provides a glimpse into the iconic artist’s life, embracing the complexities that made her a legend. The film explores the tumultuous love story that served as the backdrop to one of the most revered albums ever.

With its focus on Amy Winehouse’s early rise to fame and the creation of her seminal album, “Back to Black,” the film promises to offer audiences an intimate and compelling look at the life and artistry of the beloved singer-songwriter.

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‘Freaknik’ Doc Director P. Frank Williams To Be Honored At San Diego State University

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P. Frank Williams has been selected as the recipient of the 2024 School of Journalism and Media Studies Alumni Impact Award by his alma mater San Diego State University. The award will be presented to Williams on May 10, 2024 at JMS Next, the school’s annual graduation celebration.

Williams, an Emmy and 8-time NAACP Image winner, will be celebrated for his outstanding contributions to the field of media and storytelling producing and directing several acclaimed projects centered around Black culture and music including TV One’s renowned documentary series “Unsung” and “Unsung Hollywood,” BET’s award-winning series “American Gangster,” “Hip Hop Homicides” executive produced by 50 Cent and Mona Scott-Young and films such as “Wu: The Story of the Wu-Tang Clan,” and his latest top-trending Hulu documentary “Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told.” 

“The journalism school was a place that I called home and it was a place where I discovered a lot about myself as a journalist, as a writer and as a reporter,” said Williams. “A lot of the lessons that I learned, stuff that I got from San Diego State, has propelled my career from newspapers to magazines to television and documentary filmmaking. Professionally, it means a lot to receive this award because JMS is the foundation of all that I’ve achieved.”

A native of Oakland, California, Williams has had a career spanning three decades in Film/TV and journalism, during which he has made a significant impact as a writer, speaker, teacher, and producer. The award honor comes on the heels of the recent announcement of his multimedia production company, For The Culture By The Culture (@FXCXC). Williams is actively addressing the underrepresentation of people of color in the media by prioritizing authentic representation both in front of and behind the camera.

“Williams personifies what the Alumni Impact Award is all about. We are celebrating him not only for his professional achievements but also for his commitment to social change and justice,” said director of JMS, Dr. Temple Northup.

“It’s just an amazing and beautiful feeling to be able to come full circle back to JMS. I just want to make sure that all of the students at the school know that it doesn’t matter your background or where you start,” said Williams. “It’s about putting the work in, staying focused and trying to get to that next level. So whatever it is that you can dream of, you can achieve it. You just got to go toward the goal and go toward the light.”

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Spring Movie Preview: ‘Civil War,’ ‘Abigail,’ ‘The Strangers’ & More

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Spring Movie Preview: 'Civil War,' 'Abigail,' 'The Strangers' & More

With all the noise today in media, from the most contentious election season in recent memory to the biggest rap beef since Nas and Jay Z, there are many reasons to be distracted. Sometimes, you must put the phone down and vegetate the old-fashioned way with a good movie. Whether you prefer to hit your local theater to catch the next blockbuster or rather press play at home, you still need to whittle down the choices to only the most exciting or popular options. Here are our choices for this spring so you don’t have to do the research. 

CIVIL WAR – APRRIL 12 – IN THEATERS

From A24, Civil War is a film set in a dystopian future America. A team of military-embedded journalists race against time to reach Washington, D.C., before rebel factions descend upon the White House. Starring Kirtsten Dunst. 

Director: Alex Garland 

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ABIGAIL – APRIL 19 – IN THEATERS

In what is “Euphoria” star Angus Cloud’s last film, “Abigail” is about a group of would-be criminals who kidnap the 12-year-old daughter of a powerful underworld figure. Holding her for ransom in an isolated mansion, their plan starts to unravel when they discover their young captive is actually a bloodthirsty vampire.

Director: Matt Bettinelli-Olpin

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REBEL MOON PART TWO: THE SCARGIVER – APRIL 19 – NETFLIX

What began as Zack Snyder’s Star Wars movie turned into a two-part original Netflix space opera. The rebel warriors gear up for battle against the ruthless forces of the Motherworld as unbreakable bonds are forged, heroes emerge — and legends are made. 

Director: Zack Snyder

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CHALLENGERS – APRIL 26 – IN THEATERS

Tashi, (Zendaya) is a tennis player turned coach, who has transformed her husband from a mediocre player into a world-famous grand slam champion. To jolt him out of his recent losing streak, she makes him play a challenger event — close to the lowest level of tournament on the pro tour. Tensions soon run high when he finds himself standing across the net from the once-promising, now burnt-out Patrick, his former best friend and Tashi’s former boyfriend.

Director: Luca Guadagnino

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I SAW THE TV GLOW – MAY 3 – IN THEATERS

A classmate introduces teenage Owen to a mysterious late-night TV show — a vision of a supernatural world beneath their own. In the pale glow of the television, Owen’s view of reality begins to crack. Starring Justice Smith, Phoebe Bridgers, Emma Portner. 

Director: Jane Schoenbrun

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KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES – MAY 8 – IN THEATERS

Many years after the reign of Caesar, a young ape goes on a journey that will lead him to question everything he’s been taught about the past and make choices that will define a future for apes and humans alike. Starring Freya Allan, Lydia Peckham and Owen Teague.

Director: Wes Ball

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BACK TO BLACK – MAY 17 – IN THEATERS

Singer Amy Winehouse’s tumultuous relationship with Blake Fielder-Civil inspires her to write and record the groundbreaking album “Back to Black.” Starring Marisa Abela as Winehouse.

Director: Sam Taylor-Johnson

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IF – MAY 17 – IN THEATERS

After discovering she can see everyone’s imaginary friends, a girl embarks on a magical adventure to reconnect forgotten IFs with their kids. Starring John Krasinski, Ryan Reynolds, Emily Blunt. 

Director: John Krasinksi

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THE STRANGERS: CHAPTER 1 – MAY 17 – IN THEATERS

After their car breaks down in an eerie small town, a young couple is forced to spend the night in a remote cabin. Panic ensues as they are terrorized by three masked strangers who strike with no mercy and seemingly no motive. Starring Madelaine Petsch, Frey Gutierrez, Gabriel Basso.

Director: Renny Harlin

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FURIOSA: A MAD MAX SAGA – MAY 24 – IN THEATERS

In a followup to George Miller’s 2015 film “Mad Max Fury Road,” prequel “Furiosa,” is about titular character played by Anya Taylor-Joy, who’s character a young Furiosa is snatched from the Green Place of Many Mothers, and falls into the hands of a great biker horde led by the warlord Dementus. Sweeping through the Wasteland, they come across the Citadel, presided over by the Immortan Joe. As the two tyrants fight for dominance, Furiosa soon finds herself in a nonstop battle to make her way home. Starring Anya-Taylor Joy, Chris Hemsworth.

Director: George Miller

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THE GARFIELD MOVIE – MAY 24 – IN THEATERS

Garfield has an unexpected reunion with his long-lost father, a scruffy street cat who draws him into a high-stakes heist. Starring Chris Pratt, Samuel L. Jackson, Nicholas Hoult. 

Director: Mark Dindal

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ATLAS – MAY 24 – NETFLIX

Jennifer Lopez stars as a brilliant data analyst with a deep distrust of AI who finds it may be her only hope when a mission to capture a renegade robot goes awry. Starring Jennifer Lopez, Lana Parrilla, Sterling K. Brown.

Director: Brad Payton

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Russell Hornsby Joins Danielle Deadwyler in ‘The Woman in the Yard’ From Blumhouse and Universal

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Russell Hornsby Joins Danielle Deadwyler in ‘The Woman in the Yard’ From Blumhouse and Universal

BMF star Russell Hornsby is joining the cast of The Woman in the Yard, Blumhouse, and Universal’s upcoming genre film. Deadline reported that Hornsby will join Danielle Deadwyler and Okwui Okpokwasili in the film, which will be directed by Jaume Collet-Serra from a script penned by Sam Stefanak.

The story is being kept close to the vest, but with the same production company that brought Get Out to life running things, you can imagine this film will be filled with smart horror and scares to keep you on the edge of your seat. The film is on track to be released on Jan. 10, 2025.

Deadwyler, best known for Till and The Harder They Fall, is executive producing with Collet-Serra, Gabrielle Ebron, Scott Greenberg, and James Moran. Stephanie Allain and Jason Blum are producing, with Blumhouse’s Haley Pigman and Jungyoon Kim overseeing The Woman in the Yard. 

Blum said back in February, “I’ve been trying to find the right project to work on with Jaume, in our system, for ever a decade. The Woman in the Yard is the perfect match, a film that’s ambitious in scope but modest in budget that combines Jaume’s vision with the incomparable Danielle Deadwyler. Together with my friend Stephanie Allain, this is a real dream team and I’m excited to collaborate with them on the film.”

Not going to lie, I’m eager to see the trailer for this one. 

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New Poster Unveiled for ‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’ Starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence

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New Poster Unveiled for 'Bad Boys: Ride or Die' Starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence

Excitement is brewing as the latest poster for Bad Boys: Ride or Die hits the screens, featuring Hollywood heavyweights Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. Set to hit theaters on June 7th, the film promises a thrilling blend of heart-pounding action and side-splitting comedy, with a fresh twist as Miami’s finest find themselves on the run.

Adil & Bilall directed and Chris Bremner penned the script. The movie is produced by industry titans Jerry Bruckheimer, Will Smith, Chad Oman, and Doug Belgrad. Alongside Smith and Lawrence, the star-studded cast includes Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig, Paola Nuñez, Eric Dane, Ioan Gruffudd, Jacob Scipio, Melanie Liburd, Tasha Smith, Tiffany Haddish, and Joe Pantoliano.

Fans can anticipate the return of the beloved Bad Boys duo in what promises to be a rollercoaster ride of thrills and laughter. With anticipation building, mark your calendars for June 7th and prepare for an unforgettable cinematic experience with Bad Boys: Ride or Die.

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Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan’s Rumored Vampire Film Casts Hailee Steinfeld

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Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan’s Next Film Project Set for Warner Bros After Bidding War

Hailee Steinfeld is the latest addition to Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan’s mysterious vampire film. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the project has been nothing short of under wraps, but every step they take seems to reveal more about the film. 

Steinfeld who starred in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is joining previously announced cast of Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Delroy Lindo, Jack O’Connell and Omar Benson Miller. ICYMI, Jordan is starring and is rumored to play a dual role as twin brothers.

With all the closely guarded information about the film except what has been trickling through the trades, all that is confirmed outside of cast is the film is set to start production this month in New Orleans, which by no mistake is the home of fictional southern vampire culture.

As previously reported Coogler wrote the film and will direct as well as produce through his company Proximity Media. Proximity Media’s Zinzi Coogler and Sev Ohanian are also producing.

The film is scheduled to hit theaters on March 7, 2025.

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Jayme Lawson and Wunmi Mosaku Join Cast of Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan’s Mysterious Supernatural Film

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Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan’s Next Film Project Set for Warner Bros After Bidding War

When it comes to that top-secret supernatural, which may be a period vampire film that Ryan Coogler is directing, producing, and starring Michael B. Jordan, well, they just added Wunmi Mosaku and Jayme Lawson to the cast, joining Delroy Lindo and Jack O’Connell, who were both recently announced. The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline reported that both actresses are confirmed to star in the mysterious film. 

This massive project is still under wraps, so both new announcements indicate who they will play. Still, Mosaku has starred in roles in the ballpark of supernatural, sci-fi, and fantasy series to Lovecraft Country and Loki. Now get this: more from the rumor mill. She is said, again, it’s just a rumor to be the female lead and possibly a romantic interest of one of the twin brothers Jordan is expected to play. Yes, that part – Jordan is rumored to be playing twin brothers, while O’Connell might be playing the antagonist.

More rumors say the film is set in the Jim Crow South and might revolve around vampires and Southern supernatural lore and culture, as reported by Shadow and Act. 

Check this part. New Orleans is accustomed to vampire lore, and that is where this film is kick-starting production this month.

Coogler wrote the film and is directing and producing under his Proximity Media banner. Proximity Media’s Zinzi Coogler and Sev Ohanian will also be producing.

Except this blockbuster to hit theaters in March 2025. 

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